Speaking on Monday (April 14) with members of the powerful Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter and the Patong Hotels Association, Gov Maitri told them he wanted them to pay close attention to the effect they have on the environment.
He mentioned specifically the problems with wastewater, some of it from hotels, ending up as “black water” in canals in Karon and Bangtao, both of which flow across the beach and into the sea.
Boatmen in Bangtao last week complained that anyone stepping into the black water there gets rashes and skin infections.
He urged the two organisations to ensure members have wastewater systems and to make sure they work properly.
He also asked the hotels to assure the safety of their guests by making sure that fire escapes are usable, that fire alarms work, and that fire drills are held. He also said that they should put out red “no swimming” flags when appropriate.
The governor urged, them, too, to advise their guests about other matters of safety and decorum: to tell them they should wear helmets when riding bikes, and appropriate clothing. “Wearing a bikini and driving around the island is not proper,” he said.
Finally, the governor asked the hotels to keep an eye out for “tourists” who come to the island “aiming to take advantage from Phuket”.
“These might be, for example, people who stay long-term in Phuket, such as those who come here [supposedly] to learn Thai language or Thai cooking and can stay as long as 11 months.”